{"product_id":"natsume-boite-a-the-japonaise-laque-et-or-decor-de-fleurs-de-cerisier-de-mineharu-kawakami","title":"Natsume (Japanese tea caddy) lacquered and gilded, cherry blossom decoration by Mineharu Kawakami","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"1021\"\u003eThis natsume (a container for matcha powder used in the Japanese tea ceremony) by Mineharu Kawakami is a beautiful, high-quality piece, representative of a contemporary sensibility applied to a great classical theme of Japanese arts. On a wooden container entirely covered with deep black Japanese urushi lacquer, a cherry blossom decoration in gold powder unfolds with great visual sobriety. The crispness of the design, the depth of the black lacquer, and the calm elegance of the whole give this natsume a very fitting presence in the world of chanoyu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1023\" data-end=\"1221\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe artisan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1032\" data-end=\"1035\"\u003eThis natsume was created by contemporary lacquer artist Mineharu Kawakami, associated with the Kaga maki-e tradition, in the Kanazawa region, Ishikawa prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1491\"\u003eHe is linked to the Maehata kōbō workshop, a renowned craft structure where urushi lacquer objects are made, especially for chanoyu utensils, with a transmission of techniques specific to this tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1882\"\u003eThe Kaga region is one of the major centers of Japanese lacquer. Kaga maki-e is distinguished by its great precision of design, mastery of metallic powders, and particular attention paid to the balance between decoration and surface. Natsume from this tradition are recognized for their fine execution and their suitability for the uses of the tea ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1884\" data-end=\"2270\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDecoration and techniques\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1906\"\u003eThe decoration is made in maki-e (gold powders), using a hiramaki-e technique (low-relief decoration), perceptible in the light modeling of the flowers. The petals are treated in matte gold, while their heart has a nashiji effect (gold powdered ground), obtained by dispersing fine gold particles in the lacquer, creating a denser and more luminous texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2272\" data-end=\"2686\"\u003eThe composition unfolds airily over the entire natsume, with a refined design that gives the piece a contemporary sensibility despite its classical theme. The background and interior are covered with black lacquer, the polishing of which gives the surface a clear depth and brilliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2869\"\u003eThe sakura (cherry blossom) motif evokes spring and ephemeral nature, a fundamental theme in Japanese aesthetics and particularly present in objects related to chanoyu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"3072\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape and use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2885\" data-end=\"2888\"\u003eThis chūnatsume (medium natsume) is used during the tea ceremony for usucha (light tea). Its balanced proportions and simple lines fully enhance the decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3074\" data-end=\"3357\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3086\" data-end=\"3089\"\u003eThis piece is presented in a double box, including an outer cardboard box, then a tomobako (wooden box) bearing the name of the work, the artisan's signature and seal, as well as a protective cloth (tomonuno) bearing the artist's seal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3359\" data-end=\"3427\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlace of manufacture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3378\" data-end=\"3381\"\u003eJapan, Kaga region, Ishikawa prefecture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3429\" data-end=\"3461\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3439\"\u003eHeisei era (1989-2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3463\" data-end=\"3508\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3473\" data-end=\"3476\"\u003eDiameter 6.8 cm - Height 7 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3510\" data-end=\"3570\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3515\" data-end=\"3518\"\u003eNatsume alone: 57 g\u003cbr data-start=\"3538\" data-end=\"3541\"\u003eNatsume with boxes: 208 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3572\" data-end=\"3634\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3581\" data-end=\"3584\"\u003eWood, urushi lacquer (lacquer), maki-e (gold powder)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3636\" data-end=\"3707\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3645\" data-end=\"3648\"\u003eVery good condition\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Les objets","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55497561538900,"sku":"LJ-CH-03-01","price":690.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/3439\/4039\/files\/natsume-boite-the-laque-urushi-japonaise-maki-e-poudre-or-raden-atelier-ikiwa-20.jpg?v=1775751019","url":"https:\/\/www.atelierikiwa.com\/en\/products\/natsume-boite-a-the-japonaise-laque-et-or-decor-de-fleurs-de-cerisier-de-mineharu-kawakami","provider":"Atelier Ikiwa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}